1. Introduction
Almasi Africa is a leading Tanzanian travel company, specializing in offering curated adventure safari experiences, Kilimanjaro trekking expeditions, Zanzibar beach holidays, and cultural tour packages. Our mission is to provide exceptional travel experiences that are both memorable and sustainable, ensuring our guests enjoy Tanzania’s rich natural beauty and cultural heritage in a responsible and respectful manner.
2. Company Mission & Vision
- Mission: To provide personalized, safe, and transformative travel experiences in Tanzania, catering to adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, and cultural explorers from around the world.
- Vision: To become Tanzania’s premier travel company, known for our commitment to sustainable tourism, exceptional customer service, and fostering cross-cultural connections.
3. General Company Policies
3.1 Customer Service & Communication
- We prioritize clear, timely, and respectful communication with all our clients.
- Inquiries should be responded to within 24 hours during business days (Monday–Friday).
- Clients will be assigned a dedicated travel consultant to assist with trip planning and provide pre-trip support.
3.2 Booking & Reservations Policy
- All bookings must be made in advance, and the final confirmation will be provided upon receipt of the deposit (typically 30% of the total tour cost).
- Clients can book through our website, email, or by calling our office.
- Group bookings or special requests should be confirmed no later than 60 days prior to the planned travel date to ensure availability.
3.3 Payment Policy
- Payments can be made via bank transfer, credit card, or cash (local currency or USD).
- The final payment must be made 30 days before the departure date for all services. If bookings are made less than 30 days in advance, full payment is required at the time of booking.
- Currency exchange rates will be based on the current market rates on the date of the payment.
3.4 Cancellation & Refund Policy
- Cancellations made more than 60 days before departure: 75% refund of the total cost.
- Cancellations made 30–59 days before departure: 50% refund of the total cost.
- Cancellations made less than 30 days before departure: No refund.
- For cancellations due to unforeseen events such as illness or natural disasters, a partial or full refund may be considered, depending on the specific circumstances and at the company’s discretion.
3.5 Travel Insurance Policy
- It is strongly recommended that all clients purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical expenses, lost baggage, and travel delays.
- Almasi Africa is not responsible for any loss, injury, or damage to personal property during the trip, and travelers are advised to ensure that their insurance covers activities such as safaris, trekking, and water sports.
4. Adventure Safari Services
4.1 Safari Booking & Itinerary Policy
- Almasi Africa offers a variety of safari packages, including custom itineraries for those seeking a unique experience.
- Our itineraries are designed based on a thorough understanding of the seasonal wildlife migration patterns and the best viewing areas.
- Clients can request customized safari experiences, which will be subject to availability and additional charges.
4.2 Safety Guidelines & Equipment
- All safari tours are conducted by certified and experienced guides with thorough knowledge of local wildlife, terrain, and emergency procedures.
- Safari vehicles are maintained to the highest safety standards, equipped with first aid kits, radios, and GPS systems.
- Guests must follow all safety instructions and guidelines provided by the guides, particularly when interacting with wildlife.
4.3 Responsible Tourism & Environmental Policy
- Almasi Africa is committed to responsible tourism that minimizes environmental impact. We encourage guests to adhere to the following principles:
- Do not disturb wildlife or engage in unethical behavior.
- Follow “Leave No Trace” principles during safaris.
- Stay on designated trails to prevent habitat destruction.
- Conserve water and energy during the trip.
- A portion of proceeds from each safari is reinvested in local conservation initiatives.
5. Kilimanjaro Trekking Services
5.1 Trekking Booking & Itinerary Policy
- Our trekking packages are available year-round, with customized itineraries for different routes, such as the Machame, Marangu, Lemosho, and Rongai routes.
- All trekking expeditions are guided by certified Kilimanjaro guides and porters who adhere to local regulations and international standards.
5.2 Health & Fitness Requirements
- Clients must be in good health to participate in Kilimanjaro trekking. A medical certificate from a licensed doctor confirming fitness to trek is required for all participants.
- It is advised that clients undergo a fitness program before the trek to ensure they are physically prepared for high-altitude conditions.
5.3 Safety & Emergency Protocols
- Kilimanjaro treks are led by trained guides with first aid certification. Emergency evacuation procedures are in place for altitude sickness, injury, or illness.
- Adequate food, water, and safety gear (including oxygen for high-altitude conditions) are provided.
- Trekking groups are limited in size for safety and to provide a more personalized experience.
6. Zanzibar Holiday Services
6.1 Booking & Resort Accommodations
- Almasi Africa works with a range of resorts and hotels in Zanzibar, from luxury to mid-range accommodations.
- Special requests for accommodation preferences (e.g., beachfront, family suites, honeymoon packages) will be accommodated based on availability.
6.2 Local Cultural Etiquette & Guidelines
- Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim region; clients should dress modestly and respect local customs, especially in public places.
- Guests are advised to ask for permission before taking photos of locals, particularly in cultural villages.
7. Cultural Tour Experiences
7.1 Tour Booking & Customization
- Cultural tours can be tailored to client interests, such as visiting local tribes, historical sites, or exploring the Swahili culture.
- We recommend booking cultural tours at least 14 days in advance to ensure availability of local guides and experiences.
7.2 Cultural Sensitivity & Respect
- Clients are expected to behave respectfully toward local communities, ask before participating in local customs or ceremonies, and avoid disruptive behavior during cultural visits.
8. Tour Guides & Staff Code of Conduct
- All staff, including drivers, guides, and porters, are trained to uphold Almasi Africa’s values of integrity, professionalism, and respect for both guests and local communities.
- Discriminatory, inappropriate, or unethical behavior by staff is not tolerated and may lead to disciplinary action or termination.
9. Complaints & Dispute Resolution
- Should any issues arise, guests are encouraged to raise concerns directly with their guide or the customer service team during the trip.
- If the issue cannot be resolved on-site, it should be submitted in writing within 14 days of the trip’s end. The company will review the complaint and work to resolve the matter in a fair and timely manner.
10. Privacy & Data Protection
- Almasi Africa is committed to protecting the personal data of all guests. We will only collect necessary personal information to facilitate the booking process and provide the best service.
- We do not share or sell personal data to third parties without explicit consent, except as required by law.
11. Amendments to the Policy
- This policy may be amended or updated periodically. Guests will be notified of any significant changes prior to making bookings.
- The most recent version of the policy will always be available on our website and upon request.
By adhering to these policies, Almasi Africa aims to create a safe, enjoyable, and culturally enriching travel experience for all our guests, while supporting the local communities and environments we cherish.